New Catalog for C-U Libraries

The Champaign Public Library and Urbana Free Library have created their own catalog of materials, the CU Catalog. Effective December 8, patrons from outside Champaign and Urbana will be able to resume use of those libraries. (Note: non Champaign-Urbana patrons, including those from Mahomet, will be limited to 2 items per card when checking out materials from the Champaign Public Library.)

Setting up an Account at the Champaign and Urbana Libraries

To use the Champaign or Urbana libraries, Mahomet patrons must have a Mahomet Library card in good standing (not expired and with less than $5 in fines). Take this card and a photo ID to either the Champaign Public Library or the Urbana Free Library. Staff at that library will create an account for you in their system. You will then have two different accounts: one for the C-U libraries and one for all other libraries in the former Lincoln Trail Libraries System.

Fines and Fees

Fines and Fees related to materials you borrow from the C-U libraries will be tracked in their system. All other Fines and Fees will be tracked in the catalog used by the other former LTLS libraries. (You can access this catalog from the Mahomet Library’s website.) You will need to monitor the accounts separately, paying Fines and Fees owed to Champaign or Urbana at one of those libraries and paying all other Fines and Fees at the Mahomet Library.

Returning Materials

It is best to return Champaign and Urbana materials to one of those libraries and to return all other materials to the Mahomet Library. Mahomet staff will not be able to check in Champaign or Urbana library materials. If you must return C-U materials to the Mahomet library, please allow 10 days for the materials to travel to their home library and be checked in. Late fines will apply to materials that reach Champaign or Urbana after the due date.

The same condition applies to materials from other libraries returned to the Champaign or Urbana libraries.

Using the CU Catalog

As a patron from outside Champaign-Urbana, you will be able to

• Browse the CU Catalog from the websites of the Champaign Public Library or Urbana Free Library
• Check your account to view materials checked out from and fines owed to those libraries
• Pay fines and fees owed to those libraries

You will not be able to place holds on materials at those libraries. To borrow items shown in their catalog, visit their libraries or contact Mahomet Library staff for more information.

Thank You for Your Patience

It will take some time for all libraries involved to figure out the details for sharing materials between libraries and maintaining patron accounts. As we learn more, we will update our website to reflect the new information. Thank you for your patience as we all get used to the new system.